[Satellite Today — 1-3-08] Iridium Satellite will be able to provide Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route) Services for commercial aircraft on transoceanic flights, the company announced Jan. 3.
    The International Civil Aviation Organization Council approved the standards and recommended practices that permit Iridium to provide the services.
    “Iridium’s dramatic double-digit growth in the aeronautical marketplace over the last few years has been largely driven by the business jet and helicopter sectors,” Greg Ewert, executive vice president for Iridium, said in a statement. “The ICAO decision means that member states can now approve Iridium satellite equipment to meet the international requirements for redundant communications when flying over ocean regions. As a result, we expect to see rapid adoption among long-haul commercial carriers in the coming year.”